INNOVATE or die! That's the message of an event being organised by Business Link Tees Valley.

The event is designed to help growing companies in the Tees Valley improve their competitiveness.

The Innovation Masterclass promises delegates the opportunity to "hear things straight from the horse's mouth" while representatives of Stillington-based Darchem Flare will tell how the company has improved its performance, people and profit as a result.

Joanne Fryett, from Business Link, welcomes Darchem's involvement. She said: "We are delighted that customers who have been innovative are helping to spread the word that in the 21st Century missing out on innovation is a big mistake."

The event is on Thursday, from 6pm until 8.30pm at Samsung Electronics and is being chaired by Andy Hanselman of Hallmarks Business Development on behalf of Business Link.

He said: "Who would have thought we'd ever see six-minute all-over tans, park benches with Internet links, and a £1m yacht converted to take a wheelchair-bound crew around the world? Well an innovator would, that's who!"

He continued: "New ideas and processes are differentiating the best businesses and today no one can afford to miss out on innovation."

Delegates at the Innovation Masterclass are promised lots of ideas and tips, specialist help and advisors.

Representatives from Business Link will also be present to discuss how companies can take the innovation approach further.

Places cost from £35 plus VAT. For further details contact Berni Cawthorne at Business Link on: Tel (01642) 806666 or email: infoer Wolves forward could